Abstract
Carnitine has a fundamental biological role as a long-chain fatty acid carrier across the mitochondrial membrane and in ketone body formation. Although the body normally synthesizes carnitine, in certain circumstances such as total parenteral nutrition and haemodialysis a dietary supplement may be needed to maintain adequate levels. Several considerations suggest that carnitine is a truly essential nutrient in infancy and in other situations where the energy requirement is particularly high, e.g. pregnancy and breast feeding. There are, for example, congenital deficit syndromes due to enzymatic inadequacies. There is also the possible role of carnitine in serious metabolic disorders such as organic acidaemias and, above all, it has multiple physiological functions in major metabolic pathways which are essential for development and growth.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
